FIRST CHAPTER PLUS Are we listening to the children? Letting Go - Beyond The Season It’s All About Atmosphere! Happy Safe Trick or Treating! The Barefoot Librarian Corner
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Letting Go - Beyond The Season Page 5 Featured Books and Authors Page 3 Are we listening to the children? Page 8 Indie Books! Pages 6-10-1624-28- 30- 31. Interview with Charlene Wheeless Author of “You Are Enough!”” Page 18 It’s All About Atmosphere! Page 12 Book Videos Page 20-21 Happy Safe Trick or Treating! Page 22 Inside Scoop Live Podcast of the Month Page 23 The Barefoot Librarian Corner Page 26
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Table of Contents - Featured Books and Authors
30 The Cantrill Book One - Beginnings When eleven-year-old Etob Sheerbain learns about the legendary history of his homeland, hears stories of good vs evil, bravery, family values and lore, his life will change forever. As Etob understands his calling as scribe and historian for his people, events are unfolding that will test him as never before. ..first installment in a gorgeously woven epic fantasy.
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B.A. Bellec author of “Someone’s Story ”
A graduate of Lights Film School and a proud recipient of a grant from The Canada Council for the Arts, B.A. Bellec has shown a knack for utilizing his skills and background to cast a wide net and attract talented partners. He has completed two very different novels and produced an eclectic mix of songs to accompany them. Come find him on YouTube, Twitter, or Instagram to keep up-to-date with his projects.
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Editor’s Note Born and raised in Venezuela of Italian immigrants, Susan completed a BA in Political Science and Business Administration before moving to the US . Although she built a career as a Business Analyst/Accountant, she also kept herself active as a freelance writer in the US; publishing articles, poetry, children’s stories, and illustrations since 1996. She published her first book in 2009, and released her revised edition: Innocent War: Behind An Immigrant’s Past – Book 1 in 2011. Her picture book: Tuma: The Tribe’s Little Princess was published in early 2013 under her own label. Currently, Susan Violante is the Managing Editor/CEO/ Partner of I Have Something to Say Press and Book By Book Publicity, Author, Reviewer, Publicist and Publisher. She resides in Austin, TX with her husband Michel and her dogs, Canela, Karina, and Nutela. Susan is mother of two adult daughters, Arianna and Nicolette, and caregiver to her father. She enjoys cooking, reading, knitting, painting, writing, gardening, and any outdoor activity.
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listings https://www.firstchapterplus.com/contact subscriptions www.firstchapterplus.com email admin@firstchapterplus.com creative director/graphic designer Susan Violante © Copyright 2021 First Chapter Plus eco-friendly information First Chapter Plus e-magazine is environment conscious, and has gone 100% green.
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Letting Go - Beyond The Season I’ve always loved the Fall season. The season of holidays, colorful trees, of giving and harvest. But it is also the season of letting go. The trees let go of their leaves, the land lets go the harvest, and people let go the daily routine to celebrate. During this time, we tend to concentrate on the receiving side, but I think we should also focus on letting go. What we let go can bring us gifts as well. The time we give to others, the food we share are things we give but giving is in a way also letting go. We let go a little of ourselves, we let go of grudges, we let go of judgement, we let go of sadness, and we let go of money when we spend it on others. In return, we get our hearts filled with forgiveness, empathy, new friends, happiness, and wonderful memories. For a little while at least our world feels warm even though the winter is almost at our door. This year lets also let go the thought that fall ends with winter and let’s try to keep the warmth in our hearts and others’ alive beyond the seasons!
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Featured Authors Marjorie L. Anderson Marjorie Anderson is a native Virgin islander, retired bank executive, cofunder and former executive director of the Greater Philadelphia Minority Business Strategic Alliance. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Morgan State University, a Master of Science in Management from La Salle University, and is a graduate of the Wharton’s School Management Program of the University of Pennsylvania. Her book “The Key” is a Reader Views Literary Awards Winner. Marjorie currently lives in Liberty Hill, Texas.
View Book Video Here
La Clave shares the author’s financial knowledge and experience to help teens get a head start in life. The book presents readers with basic financial knowledge and life changing know-how tips on how to manage money to make the most of their income to build a successful future. But Anderson does not stop there, she also teaches young people to invest in their communities by buying local products and donating to help others. La Clave is the Spanish translation of Marjorie L. Anderson’s Reader Views Award winner “The Key.”
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La Clave Marjorie L. Anderson I Have something To Say Press (2021, 2022) ISBN 9780985430825 Tradeback - 100 pages - $16.00 Nonfiction - Spanish/YA-Teen
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he skills teens develop in this workbook can be applicable to all aspects of their lives, not just finances.
— Nico Neak Social worker/Children and Teen Therapist
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. his is an invaluable resource
for the financial preparation of our adolescents to ensure an economical, stable and successful future.
— Juliana Leal-Belloso Preschool teacher and mother of a teenager
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Read First Chapter Here View on Amazon Here
Are we listening to the children? by Nico Neak
The other day, I stumbled upon a brief documentary titled “I Can’t Do This but I Can Do That.” The documentary focuses on children with different learning disabilities, but what is unique about it is that instead of centering the narrative on statistics, expert testimony, and high production on music and animations, it centered the story on the voices that mattered most: the children. Each child talks a bit about their diagnosis, what their experience in school has been like, and most importantly, how they view themselves. The diagnoses ranged from dyslexia, attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to audio processing disorder (APD), but the experiences shared similar themes: classmates calling children in special education “stupid,” teachers not understanding the child and their diagnosis, and the school failing to provide sufficient support for both the children and their families. My heart broke when I noticed that tears welling up in each child’s eyes as they shared how sometimes they felt that life “wasn’t worth living.” The key takeaway of this documentary was simple and came straight from the children: I can do almost everything my classmates can, but it might take me longer or be different. As we enter back to school season after a year and a half of the Covid 19 pandemic, I can’t help but think about how the children have been faring, and how they’re feeling this upcoming academic year. As a child therapist, I heard a mix of experiences: many children expressed missing their friends and teachers, and were experiencing an increase in anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation. Their academic performance suffered, and they developed new behavioral issues that didn’t previously exist. Other children reported a significant decrease in their anxiety. As an adult looking forward to someday starting my own family, I wonder if we are listening to the children and hope to remember to do so with my own.
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Check out the Sponsors for the 2021-2022 Reader Views Literary Awards!
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Featured Authors Bineta Ngom Bineta Ngom was born in Senegal, West Africa in 1964. She grew up without her father, who died when she was a little over four years old. She was raised by her mother who taught her how to appreciate life and serve people in need even when the family was enduring hardship. She came to America in 1994 to pursuit her dream, to give her children the opportunity she never had as a child, and to empower the global community She never stops learning and always strive to be best role model to her children. She decided to write her book “Becoming an Angel of Change” to share her stories with the world to inspire parents, immigrants and women to make positive change within themselves, their homes, their work places as well as their communities.
Through a collection of inspirational stories, Bineta Ngom details her journey exploring her life’s purpose, helping others in need. From her beginnings as an eight-year-old philanthropist in Senegal, to her adult life establishing outreach programs in the United States, readers will be inspired to discover their strength, uniqueness, and purpose in her recent memoir “Becoming an Angel of Change.” View Book Video Here 10
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Becoming an Angel of Change Bineta Ngom I Have Something To Say Press (2021,2022) ISBN 9781647751784 Tradeback - 186 pages - $16.00 Nonfiction - Memoir / Self-Help
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ineta shows us all how we, too, can develop the spiritual depth to become angels of change. A fast-paced, inspiring read!” .
— Donna Winters author of the Great Lakes Romances Series®
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. resented in three parts,
‘Becoming an Angel of Change’ is a fascinating story and one that encourages hope, positivity, and gratitude…
— Sheri Hoyte Reader Views
Read First Chapter Here View on Amazon Here
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IT ’S ALL AB OUT ATMOSPHERE! By Skyler Boudreau
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fter spending a little while reviewing books (whether for a hobby or as a job), you inevitably notice that reading a book for review is a little different than reading a book for pleasure. When I first started reviewing, I began having a difficult time turning off my “reviewer eyes” whenever I had a chance to sit down and read for pleasure. It’s something I’m still working on, but over the years I’ve found a few tricks that really help. Of those tricks, by far the most effective is creating two different atmospheres for the two different scenarios. Today I want to talk a little bit about how I do that and why it helps.
When I have a book that I’m reading for fun, I usually read in my bed or on a couch in the living room. I can lay down or recline and put my feet up for a while. Sometimes I’ll make a mug of tea to drink while I’m reading. When I get very involved with a story, I can spend hours lost in the pages of a book. It’s a very relaxing and enjoyable experience. That isn’t to say that reading books for review is not fun. Reviewing just requires far more focus and that’s not something I can do while laying in bed. When I block out time to work on a review, I have to do it at my desk. I’m a student, and I spend a lot of time at my desk either studying, working on the computer, or reading my textbooks. I’ve made it a comfortable space, but it’s also a space that allows me to get work done. While I do like to sit at my desk when I’m doing some non-work related activities, it’s very easy to clear away all distractions and only keep the materials I need in front of me. It’s a comfortable enough space that I can spend a lot of time there, but not comfortable enough that I lose focus on what I should be doing. When I sit down at my desk, I know it’s to get some work done.
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Physically separating different areas for me to review books and read them for fun has also helped improved my focus a lot. As I’ve gotten older, I have a much harder time sitting and doing one thing for a long period of time, no matter how much I may enjoy the activity. Creating to different areas to separate the tasks has been a huge help to me. What do you reading spaces look like? If you also have separate ones for reviewing and reading for fun, how do they differ? What do you reading spaces look like? If you also have separate ones for reviewing and reading for fun, how do they differ?
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READER VIEWS B O OK OF THE MONTH Primeval Waters
By William Burke Fiction - Horror Severed Press (2021) ISBN 9781922551993 Reviewed by: Amy Lignor for Reader Views (10/03/2021)
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first came across this talented author when I read “Scorpius Rex.” Well, I should say, when I first saw the incredible cover of “Scorpius Rex,” and knew I absolutely had to read it. I can still recall every detail of those engineers out in the African desert as they uncovered a colony of huge, ten-foot prehistoric scorpions that proceeded to unleash hell on earth. I mean, come on… after hearing just that, you know you have to get online and buy that William Burke book as fast as humanly possible. And now, with “Primeval Waters” this newest treasure set in my memory banks (amazing cover on this, as well), I have to once again rave about the creativity, uniqueness, and action-oriented mind this particular author owns tenfold. Riveting, to say the least, “Primeval Waters” took a slight turn that once again unleashed an unforgettable plot, told at a breathtaking pace. Here we meet Dr. Micah Clarke—a planetary geologist—along with his young daughter, Faye, and Catalina Abril, who is Dr. Clarke’s assistant. When this trio meets up with some seriously bad people, with guns aimed at them, they are kidnapped and forced to join a fanatic’s quest. This maniac obsessed with his own power has formed a paramilitary expedition that leads them down a tributary of the great Amazon River; a location that is more than dangerous, considering the fact that it’s controlled by everything from bloodthirsty pirates to tribes of cannibals. The fanatic’s quest does have an actual objective, however. The group is supposedly heading through these savage surroundings in order to retrieve a meteorite that has the power to provide clean energy to the entire world. But if you think cannibals and pirates and kidnappers are the only hideous beings Dr. Clarke will have to battle in order to save his daughter, you are quite wrong.... William Burke has, twice now, made a lasting impression on this reader. I most definitely give a “5-Star” review and recommendation for this incredible work. To read complete review click here or visit www.readerviews.com.
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READER VIEWS KIDS B O OK OF THE MONTH This is me! I am who I’m meant to be!
By Amy Pflueger, James & Lucas Pflueger (Illustrator), Connor Pflueger (Character Creation) Early Reader - Ages 6 To 8 Independently Published (2021) ISBN 9798519247504
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Reviewed by Jill Rey for Reader Views (10/2021)
ble is a super kid, with superpowers. He wouldn’t change anything about himself because he is awesome, unique, talented, interested, special and mysterious! Being autistic is a part of him that makes him so special, and he embraces his superpower and educates others. “This is me!” is written by Amy Pfluger, a mom of two autistic boys, and houses a story that was created with the help of her entire family, including her husband and two boys who played the roles of content creators and illustrators. From the cover to the very last page of this book, the pictures make the read feel fun, sparking kids’ excitement to go draw their own superheroes. In fact, drawing your own superhero is an activity saved for the last page of the book. This story draws kids in by helping them feel represented as well as serving as a platform to understand their own friends, classmates, and neighbors. It is also a great read for parents and caregivers as they are invited into Able’s super world. Using her own experience raising autistic boys, author Amy Pflueger uses just a few dozen pages to share with parents the successes she’s had in recapturing her son’s attention, quieting the loud feelings, understanding the interruptions, and embracing the excitement. By showing readers squishy things help calm, hugs can get tight, shoulder taps can refocus, and eye contact isn’t disrespectful, everyone can begin to see the uniqueness in each other’s superpowers. “This is me! I am who I’m meant to be!” is an education for both adults and children. This book shows us how to embrace our own uniqueness, talents, and interests, empowering those that read it to feel super! Perfect for kids beginning school, full of new faces, to those well versed in making new friends, this is a read perfect for helping our little ones understand more about themselves and the talents of everyone around them.
To read more kids’ reviews click here or visit www.readerviewskids.com.
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Featured Authors B.A. Bellec A graduate of Lights Film School and a proud recipient of a grant from The Canada Council for the Arts, B.A. Bellec has shown a knack for utilizing his skills and background to cast a wide net and attract talented partners. He has completed two very different novels and produced an eclectic mix of songs to accompany them. Come find him on YouTube, Twitter, or Instagram to keep up-to-date with his projects.
Someone’s Story is literally Someone’s story, as in a first-person narrative of a teenager that calls himself Someone.
As he struggles to find a new footing in a new space, we encounter the many ups and downs of modern teenage life, the difficulties that adjusting to adult feelings bring, and a few tear-jerking surprises along the way. The endearing debut novel from B.A. Bellec is a coming-of-age story you won’t forget anytime soon.
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Someone’s Story B.A. Bellec B.A. Bellec (2020) ASIN B089M43TS2 eBook - 328 pages - $3.99 Fiction - YA-16
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A. Bellec has crafted a masterpiece of emotive and well-rounded young adult fiction.
— K.C. Finn Author
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. A. Bellec has truly created
a masterpiece that deserves worldwide recognition, awards and so much more.
— Rebecca Ryan Reedsy
Read First Chapter Here View on Amazon Here
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INTERVIEW WITH CHARLENE WHEELESS AUTHOR OF “YOU ARE ENOUGH!”
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harlene Wheeless is the founder of her namesake firm Charlene Wheeless LLC. She is a renowned business and communications professional, author, speaker, and executive and life empowerment advisor. Additionally, she is the senior advisor for equity and justice at APCO Worldwide, a global advocacy and communications consultancy. Wheeless is the chairman of the board of trustees for the Page Society and the HCA Virginia Reston Hospital and serves on other industry and community boards. She has received numerous awards for communications and leadership excellence throughout her career, including being named to the PR Week Global Power Book for most influential professionals in Public Relations and The Network Journal’s Most Influential Black Women in Business. Many business, industry, and lifestyle publications have featured Wheeless for her expertise and as a contributing writer. Before launching her consultancy and following a fouryear health crisis, Wheeless retired from corporate America as the principal vice president of global corporate affairs for Bechtel Corporation, a $40B global firm. In her words, “Cancer changed me;
so I changed my world.” Hi Charlene, welcome to Reader Views! What is “You Are Enough!” about? The book is part memoir, a cautionary tale, and part of how to create the life you want. The book’s full title was very deliberate and speaks to the book’s purpose: You are Enough! Reclaiming Your Career and Your Life with Purpose, Passion, and Unapologetic Authenticity. The title says it all. What inspired you to write this book? At the time I wrote the book, I was coming off a difficult battle with breast cancer. Even though I was a “survivor,” I fell into a depression and found that people don’t give you the room to be depressed. They would say, “you just beat cancer; what do you have to be depressed about?” I felt alone, but as I spoke with other cancer survivors they also spoke of depression and didn’t know where to turn. At the same time, I went back to my high-powered job and expected to walk back into my life as though cancer never happened. Boy, was I wrong! I didn’t recognize this new life I was in post-cancer – I mean, I didn’t even look the same, and I didn’t fit into the corporate life I had spent 30+ years building. I had sacrificed a lot as a Black female in corporate environments. I was lost, and I thought
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someone needed to start talking about these things out loud because people are suffering. So, I wrote about it in the most authentic way I could.You have risen above many challenges in your life. If you had to choose, which was the most difficult? Living through it all, in general, has been the most difficult. Many of the challenges I’ve faced have impacted how my life went forward at each point. Living through it each time was most challenging, whether it was cancer, abuse, or even feeling marginalized. All of it can make you question your value. That’s
By Sheri Hoyte
another reason I want everyone to understand and honestly believe that they are enough – no matter what anyone else tells you. What is the biggest thing holding people back from living their best lives? Fear. People are often afraid of moving forward with something new even when they are unhappy with their current lives. If you’re unhappy or dissatisfied, it’s easier to do nothing. They feel like they don’t have a choice. I like to remind people that doing nothing is a choice.
Read the full interview with Charlene Wheeless
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B O OK VIDEOS The best way to check out a book!
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ometimes we need a little bit more than an endorsement, book review or book cover to get a feeling for the story and decide on whether to purchase or not a title. For me, the little something is a book video. A book video not only brings to life the main story or topic for the reader, it can also portray a feeling on who the Author is and what message he or she wants to share. Below are some things I get from book videos that help make the decision to read the book but also gives me insight on its contents, improving in many cases, my reading experience. • The images – unlike movie trailers which use previews from the movie, the book video images could be off putting when reading the story, as the characters looks and settings will be a combined result of the descriptions, and the readers’ imagination. But images that do not mess with such specifics and instead reflect the message, topic, or plot are perfect as a preview of a book, because it helps us to visualize in a short time the content of the book. • Background music and narrator’s voice – The sound allows the possible reader to feel the mood of the story. Is it thrilling? Mysterious? Romantic? • Finally, but not least is the script of the slides or voice narration. Here is where we learn what the book is all about, and other information like endorsements, Author website, and where to get the book. What is awesome about book videos is that we get all the above information in one minute or less! Check out some book videos we included here by clicking on the cover!
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Book Videos on this page were provided by https://www. youtube.com/user/ReaderViews - For information on how to place your bookvideo here email us at admin@firstchapterplus.com
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Happy Safe Trick or Treating! Since the 1030’s Halloween has progressed from the night of hallows to the current big marketing and trick or treat fun event. I personally have always seen it as a fun time to be silly with your kids and friends. But Halloween evolved from the integration of “pagan” traditions with the Catholic belief system. From there, consumerism took over creating in the US what we see today. Think about it. How much do we spend in customs, candy, home decorations, Haunted movies and other attractions, and hosting parties? Don’t get me wrong, I am guilty of partaking on all the above! Not everyone partakes on Hallowing, tough; but those that do let their hair down and try to have a good old time, and why not? The summer is over, and the holidays are coming. Which will fill everyone’s schedules leaving little time to just let loose. however, maybe relaxing too much is not a good idea as unfortunately predators of children and even pets, who always are in search of the vulnerable have been known to take advantage of this holiday. Listen, I don’t want to spoil the fun for anyone this Halloween. These past couple of years have been tough on grown ups and kids alike. Letting loose and being silly is overdue! But please be safe! Keep your kids close, and your pets inside. Have hand sanitizer handy for trick or treaters, and maybe celebrate outside weather permitting. There is no reason why we shouldn’t welcome an evening of fun, let’s just make sure a day of regret doesn’t follow… Happy Safe Trick or Treating!
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INSIDE SCO OP LIVE POD CAST OF THE MONTH Dr. Randy Overbeck is an award-winning educator, author and speaker. As an educator, he served children for four decades in a range of roles captured in his novels, from teacher and coach to principal and superintendent. As a member of the Mystery Writers of America, Dr. Overbeck is an active member of the literary community, contributing to a writers’ critique group, serving as a mentor to emerging writers and participating in writing conferences such as Sleuthfest, Killer Nashville and the Midwest Writers Workshop.
For more information about Dr. Randy Overbeck and his work, visit his website at: https://www.authorrandyoverbeck.com/
Click Here To Listen to Podcast Topics of Conversation • Writing Ghost Stories • Representation of Ghosts based on actual documentation of researchers • Featuring different out-of-the-way unknown spa resort towns in his novels • Creating not-so-perfect characters and his protagonist's special gift • Targeting relevant social issues, this story focusing on the plight of migrant workers and their children • What's next for Randy Overbeck?
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Featured Authors Kevin Kunkel Kevin Kunkel believes people are good. He hopes his books help unlock that goodness. He lives in Minnesota with his wife and two boys, which means he can never see a movie featuring snow without commenting that “Hollywood doesn’t understand real cold.” Kevin is a former stand-up comedian who is fully committed to fixing the screen door by fall or next spring at the latest.
Winner of The Book By Book Award for Best Children’s Picture Book 2020/2021 - focuses on the good things about our planet and encourages—and empowers!—kids to make our future even brighter. Cable news often reports on the bad things that happen every day, but we can choose a positive story and make it a reality. This uplifting children’s book reminds us all that we can choose a better world.
View Book Video Here
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The World We Choose By Kevin Kunkel Kevin Kunkel (2020) ISBN 9781643438962 Hard Cover - 24 pages - $17.95 Fiction - Early Reader (5-7 years old)
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ngaging, relevant, and fun. "The World We Choose" made a timely appearance and shines a much-needed light on the positive in our world.... — Eve Panzer Barefoot Librarian
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ncouragement, inspiration, and positive vibes fill these pages and remind that life is full of hope and just as many good things (if not more) than bad. — Tonja Dreckerw Bookworm for Kids
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Read First Chapter Here
View on Amazon Here
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BAREFO OT LIBRARIA N CORNER Eve Panzer reviews books for Reader Views Kids as well as her own business, Barefoot Librarian. Monthly she publishes the Barefoot Librarian Newsletter. She sells children’s books published by Barefoot Books and Usborne Books & More at book fairs, educational conferences, community events, and online. She earned her Masters in Library and Information Science from the University of Texas in Austin and worked as a school librarian before retiring to start her own business. www.barefootlibrarian.com Eve Panzer
End Notes
In July, I mentioned end matter and how it broadens the age range and discussion topics for a book. In today's article, I want to re-emphasize the significant role endnotes play in the success of a book and give examples of the types of materials that can be included in the endnotes. When writing a fiction picture or chapter book, it is not always evident that endnotes can enhance the value and sales of the book. Many fiction books have underlying themes, but the flow of the story can be disrupted by inserting informational details into the main text. Endnotes provide an excellent opportunity to give the reader more insight into these underlying topics. End matter can include a wide variety of information delivered in various formats. Maps help give readers a sense of place (geography is often ignored today's curriculum) and history. The characters' heritage offers an excellent opportunity to teach other cultures in a safe, unbiased way. Describing the clothes, foods, traditions, beliefs, customs, language, etc., will help readers understand the intriguing differences and the undeniable commonalities of all humans. Photographs bring reference and reality. Including websites and book resources provides opportunities for readers to deepen their connections and knowledge. Even a simple addition of just a few pages can add layers to a book. I Took the Moon for a Walk is a simple lyrical tale about a boy exploring nature as he walks through the night. Information about the phases of the moon and some "Mysterious Moon" tidbits are found at the end. Also included are some brief details about the fauna and flora that appear in the book. This short end matter leads to many discussion topics, including astronomy, space, nocturnal animals, and cultural differences about the moon for a start. An example of a book that includes more extensive back matter is Mama Panya's Pancakes: A Village Tale from Kenya. This folktale shares the universal messages of friendship, sharing, and community. In addition, the book takes a deep dive into the country and culture. Included is a description of village life: details of animals, insects, and plants appearing in the book; words in the Kiswahili; a map and facts about Kenya; and a recipe for Mama Panya's Pancakes. Happy reading, Eve - Barefoot Librarian
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THE BAREFO OT LIBRARIAN B O OKS OF THE MONTH Mama Panya’s Pancakes: A Village Tale from Kenya By Mary and Rich Chamberlin - Illustrated by Julia Cairns Barefoot Books (2005) - ISBN 9781905236640 ( 4 - 10 years old ) - Paperback - 40 pages - $8.99
Mama Panya is preparing to cook her famous pancakes. She and her son Adika walk to the market to buy the ingredients. Adika invites all the friends they meet along the way. How will Mama Panya feed all of their friends? Find out in this heartwarming tale about friendship, community, and sharing. Endnotes include extensive information about Kenya. Mama Panya’s recipe for savory pancakes included!
I Took the Moon for a Walk Written and illustrated by: Carolyn Curtis and Allison Jay Barefoot Books (2004) - ISBN 9781841488035
Age : 5 - 8 years old - Paperback - 32 pages - $8.99
This whimsical story, told in lyrical rhyming prose, follows a young boy as he takes a nighttime stroll through his neighborhood with the Moon. The beautiful pictures have “...an antique, nostalgic quality,” reflect a unique perspective, and contain fun details. Endnotes contain facts about the moon and nighttime critters encountered in the story. This dreamy tale is the perfect bedtime book.
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Featured Authors Sandra Brown Lindstedt Sandra Brown Lindstedt was born and raised on the south-side of Chicago. As a black girl growing up in poverty, with virtually no role models, she struggled. But with the help of her grandmother’s abiding faith in God and in her, she graduated from Lewis & Clark College with a bachelor’s degree in Theatre and English. Today she resides in Gothenburg, Sweden, with her husband Christer, working as the drama director for Smyrna International. Sandy has an invisible secret weapon. It’s activated by her grandmother to ward off the evil she’d face, moving to Chicago to live with her mother. Though it was tiny, it was the most powerful thing in the Universe. When darkness was out of control, it was strong enough to turn a bully like Gorilla Girl into her friend. It was the Firefly. If she could keep it glowing inside her, she could conquer anything. - A multi-award-winning children’s book: * 2021 International Book Awards Winner Children’s Mind/Body/Spirit * 2021 International Book Awards Finalist - Children’s Religious * Reader Views’ Grand Prize for Best Fiction 2020. * Reader Views’ Gold Medal - Young Readers Category 2020 * Reader Views’ Gold Medal - Teen Category 2020 * Reader Views’ Regional Awards - South Winner 2020 * Readers’ Favorite - 5-star Seal * The AME Award - Best Debut Fiction 2020
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Life of a Firefly By Sandra Brown Lindstedt Fiction - Juvenile / Young Reader (8-12 years old) Independently published by Sandra Brown Lindstedt(2020) ISBN 9798679133327 Tradeback - 157 pages - $9.85
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andra Brown-Lindstedt says simply and ingenuously that it is “particularly suited for ages 8–12.” I’m afraid that’s like saying To Kill A Mockingbird is at heart a children’s book just because it’s narrated by a child. So is Life of a Firefly. But the child, a young girl named Sandy Forte, is every bit the storyteller and every bit as literate as Scout. This book is every whit as powerful, as emotive, and as profoundly evocative and compelling as its more-famous classic cousin. Sandy Forte is one of the most appealing characters ever to appear in contemporary fiction. — Joel R. Dennstedt Readers’ Favorite I loved this book! When I first picked it up I was afraid it would be too “young” for me but Sandy is a character that captured my attention immediately and I soon found myself taking any chance I could to break away from everything and read. Sandy is hilarious and had me laughing out loud throughout the whole book. Her personality is as big as life – she says what’s on her mind and that often gets her into trouble, but sometimes it’s her inner thoughts that are the funniest. — Amy C. Reader Views Kids
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Running High School Cross-Country, The Southwest Way P.M. Hall Outskirts Press (2020) - ISBN 9781977230195 Tradeback - 118 pages - $14.95 Southwest High School’s cross-country dominance is outlined from 1942-1980 and the phenomenal success of the program explained. Follow the authors’ journey through his senior season, in 1972. See how he uses the “Southwest System” during his 30+ year coaching career to obtain many successes. The book has running tips for any level middle to high school runner. It also has coaching tips, anecdotes and a summary at the end of the book.
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The Cantrill Book One - Beginnings K. Raymond Zabielski Outskirts Press (2021) - ISBN 9781977232328 Tradeback - 228 pages - $17.95 When eleven-year-old Etob Sheerbain learns about the legendary history of his homeland, hears stories of good vs evil, bravery, family values and lore, his life will change forever. As Etob understands his calling as scribe and historian for his people, events are unfolding that will test him as never before. Warm, beautifully imaginative, and rich with detail, this is sensitive, insightful coming-ofage story is the first installment in a gorgeously woven epic fantasy.
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Spirral - The CORT Chronicles Book 2 David D. Bernstein Outskirts Press (2021) - ISBN 9781977238405 Tradeback - 176 pages - $24.95 Civil war rages on, a world is falling into deep darkness. Andy, John, Wendy, and Zack are on a quest to save their world from a powerful corporation named CORT and their new dangerous robot Spirral. In this second book of the CORT Chronicles, each young hero is given powers and tools to survive, guided by sages and past memories, they fight to save Earth. Will good prevail over evil or vice versa?
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Rebirth - The CORT Chronicles Book 3 David D. Bernstein Outskirts Press (2021) - ISBN 9781977238429 Tradeback - 100 pages - $18.95 After a journey through time and space and a nightmarish world, two young boys come home to find themselves under a new world order. The place they left behind has changed. A new threat is rising, and things look bleak. In Rebirth, the final chapter of The CORT Chronicles, Andy and Zack hope to alter the future by saving the present. But can our two young heroes bring back the world they knew before?
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Moscow Embassy - The Angara Club Thomas J. Mitchell Outskirts Press (2019) - ISBN 9781977214935 Tradeback - 315 pages - $20.95 2020 CIPA EVVY Award. Russian KGB agents have recruited American construction workers to plant listening devices and engage in espionage while the Moscow Embassy is under construction—and while US intelligence and Britain’s M16 agencies work to neutralize the Russian threat. With a cast of colorful characters and a plot filled with danger and political intrigue, Moscow Embassy “The Angara Club” is a fascinating novel about an industry most people never think about.
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Duets with My Daughter By Kathie Wennes Taitano Outskirts Press (2020) - ISBN 9781977232144 Tradeback - 156 pages - $18.95 Rachael was a vibrant, joyful young woman of twenty-three when devastatingly diagnosed with stage IV cancer. Characteristically, she faced it with unwavering hope, determination and courage. How do you honor a beautiful life, whose time on the planet has passed far too soon? The answer is to share her story, to look for the lessons she unknowingly taught and to cherish the time we are given, no matter the length.
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Connecting Readers to Indie Books www.firstchapterplus.com
e-magazine . October 2021 volume 12 . issue 10
Published by I Have Something to Say Press
